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Neutron activation analysis of fluoride release after treatment with a fluoride varnish in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To use neutron activation analysis to study a new type of cariostatic material, fluoride varnish, in terms of its anti-caries mechanism and its release in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty enamel specimens were measured for baseline fluoride content using neutron activation analysis. The enamel specimens were then fluoridated with 1.5% sodium fluoride varnish for 24 hours, and their enamel fluoride content was measured again with neutron activation analysis. RESULTS: The baseline fluoride content in the enamel specimens was 161.7 micrograms/g; after fluoridation, the fluoride content in the enamel specimens increased to 277.8 micrograms/g, or about 1.7 times. CONCLUSION: It is evident that this sodium fluoride varnish can significantly increase enamel fluoride content. The neutron activation analysis is a good method for fluoride measurement in vitro.

Cariostatic Agents↗

Validation of a neutron activation analysis method using k0-standardization.

A neutron activation analysis method using k0-standardization has been adopted for multielement analysis using our research reactors. Gold has been used as the comparator. The input parameters, used for calculation of elemental concentration, such as subcadmium to epithermal neutron flux ratio (f), the epithermal neutron flux shape factor (alpha), and the absolute efficiency of the detector (epsilon) have been determined. The values of k0-factors and Q0 (the ratio of resonance integral to thermal neutron cross section) have been taken from the literature. The validity of applying this method in our laboratory is evaluated by analyzing the elemental concentrations with respect to the certified values in eight reference materials of different origin obtained from USGS, IAEA and NIST. The percent deviation of the measured elemental concentrations are found to be within +/- 15% to that of the certified values whereas the percent relative standard deviation ranged from 2% to 10% for most of the elements analyzed.

Journal Article↗

Determination of gold in plasma and plasma fractions by atomic absorption spectrometry and by neutron activation analysis.

Three techniques of gold analysis, flame and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and neutron activation analysis, have been compared, using plasma and plasma fractions (derived by gel chromatography) from rheumatoid patients receiving aurothiomalate therapy and from plasma samples incubated with aurothiomalate in vitro. The three methods correlated well in the analysis of gold in whole plasma, but only neutron activation analysis was suitable for the assay of all the plasma fractions. The susceptibility of the two atomic absorption methods to interference by sodium chloride was investigated.

Gold↗

Neutron activation analysis for the determination of trace elements in biological materials.

Neutron activation analysis, in both its radiochemical and instrumental forms, is a precious technique for the determination of trace elements in biological materials. Probably its most important advantage is its relative freedom from errors resulting from contamination of the samples. Invaluable characteristics are also its excellent sensitivity, outstanding selectivity, and remarkable multielement capability. It is, however, necessary to warn against uncritical expectations. This is best illustrated by the seriously inconsistent results obtained in several laboratories. Because of the necessity to have access to a nuclear research reactor, the stringent safety rules to be observed, the rather high costs of the analyses, the relatively low sample throughput, and the sometimes long delay between the taking of a sample and the obtaining the final result, the use of neutron activation analysis remained restricted to a few--essentially research--laboratories. It found its main application in solving arduous problems and in paving the way for other analytical techniques better suited to routine applications.

Animals↗

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry--comparison using biological specimens.

X-ray microanalysis, neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry were performed on normal and injured skeletal muscle. X-ray microanalysis of tenotomized rat soleus muscle showed significantly elevated levels of sodium and chlorine and lower potassium compared with normal muscle. Similar ion shifts could be demonstrated by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of sodium and chlorine obtained by these techniques were somewhat higher and that of potassium lower than the values obtained by X-ray microanalysis. This can probably be attributed to the fact that in atomic absorption spectrometry and in neutron activation analysis the entire muscle biopsy contents are measured while in X-ray microanalysis only the content of muscle cells unaffected by extracellular, non-muscular components are determined. It can be concluded that X-ray microanalysis is a reliable technique to study the elemental content of biological tissue, especially tissue undergoing pathological changes affecting the extracellular spaces. Other types of analysis should be used when elements not detectable by X-ray microanalysis are of interest.

Activation Analysis↗

Elemental analysis of some Egyptian ores and industrial iron samples by neutron activation analysis.

Elemental analysis of iron ore samples and first industrial iron production prepared by the Egyptian Iron and Steel Company of Helwan near Cairo were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. Five samples from each kind were irradiated for a 48 hours at a thermal neutron flux of 4 x 10(12) n/(cm2.s) in the first Egyptian research reactor ET-RR-1. Also the Pneumatic irradiation Rabbit system (PIRS) attached to the reactor in Inshass, was used to measure the elements of short-life time. The gamma-ray spectra were recorded by means of the hyper pure germanium detection system. The concentration percentage values of major, minor and trace elements are presented. The long and short lived isotopes were considered. A comparative study and a discussion on the elemental concentration values are given.

Egypt↗

Bone mineral measurements of the central skeleton by in vivo neutron activation analysis for routine investigation os osteopenia.

In vivo neutron activation analysis has been used to measure bone mineral content in the central skeleton where osteoporotic fractures occur. To be of diagnostic value, the results must be normalized for body size. From data obtained from 74 healthy children and adults up to 55 years of age, we have found that the calcium in the central skeleton is approximately proportional to the cube of the subject's height. The correlation for the adults alone has an r value of 0.81. When data from both adults and children are used, r = 0.95. The validity of this cubic height relationship to the Ca concentration measurements has been further substantiated by studies on rats. The total femur calcium content of 110 rats from weanling to 25 weeks of age was proportional to the overall femur (length) 3.6 (or (length)2.6 per unit length) with r = 0.99. When the level of Ca content is related to data on normal subjects of the same body size (giving the Calcium Bone Index or CaBI) a good separation is obtained between normal volunteers and osteoporotic subjects. Volunteers who were 20 to 55 years of age had CABI 1.0 "/- .12 (SD) while osteoporotics had CaBI 0.69 +/- .10 (SD). When the calcium content as determined by in vivo activation analysis is expressed as a CaBI, it provides a powerful tool for the diagnosis of osteopenia. We suggest that all bone measurements, including peripheral ones, be normalized for body size in order to increase their diagnostic value.

Activation Analysis↗

Standardization of NIRR-1 irradiation and counting facilities for instrumental neutron activation analysis.

The first nuclear reactor in Nigeria, the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1), is a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR). It was specifically acquired for elemental analysis by the neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique. In this work, routine experimental schemes for the determination of over 30 elements of interest in different sample matrices have been developed. In order to validate the experimental procedures the following standard reference materials, IAEA-359 (Cabbage), IAEA-336 (Lichen), GSR-5 and GSD-11 (Chinese Geochemical Rock Standards), as well as IAEA-SL-3 and IAEA-405 (Sediments) were analyzed. Validated results are presented for the following elements Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hf, In, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb and Zn. To further assess analytical capabilities of the facilities, the detection limits are presented.

Journal Article↗

Neutron activation analysis of microleakage around a hydrophobic composite restorative.

Neutron activation analysis with dysprosium as a tracer was employed to determine quantitatively the microleakage around the restorations of an experimental hydrophobic composite, as well as a commercial composite. Only a negligible uptake of tracer was obtained for the experimental composite, whereas a five-fold uptake was recorded for the commercial composite. Capillary penetration of fluid around a restoration could be greatly reduced by using a hydrophobic composite.

Absorption↗

Determination of trace elements in aerosol samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Two nuclear techniques, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (EDXRF) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), were used to analyze aerosol samples collected in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Na, Cl, Mn, V, Al, Sm, Mo, W, La, As, Br, Sb, K, Ba, Se, Th, Cr, Rb, Ca, Fe, Ce, and Sc were determined by INAA, and Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Hg, and Pb were determined by EDXRF. A preliminary identification of the main source of the atmospheric aerosol was performed based on enrichment factor and correlation coefficient calculations.

Aerosols↗

Application of spectral decomposition analysis to in vivo quantification of aluminum by neutron activation analysis.

The toxic effects of aluminum are cumulative and result in painful forms of renal osteodystrophy, most notably adynamic bone disease and osteomalacia, but also other forms of disease. The Trace Element Group at McMaster University has developed an accelerator-based in vivo procedure for detecting aluminum body burden by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Further refining of the method was necessary for increasing its sensitivity. In this context, the present study proposes an improved algorithm for data analysis, based on spectral decomposition. A new minimum detectable limit (MDL) of (0.7+/-0.1)mg Al was reached for a local dose of (20+/-1)mSv. The study also addresses the feasibility of a new data acquisition technique, the electronic rejection of the coincident events detected by a NaI(Tl) system. It is expected that the application of this technique, together with spectral decomposition analysis, would provide an acceptable MDL for the method to be valuable in a clinical setting.

Algorithms↗

Application of the associated particle technique for the whole-body measurement of protein, fat and water by 14 MeV neutron activation analysis--a feasibility study.

A small and compact sealed tube neutron generator with an integral alpha particle detector has been used for applying the associated particle technique for prompt-gamma 14 MeV neutron activation analysis of total body carbon (TBC), total body nitrogen (TBN) and total body oxygen (TBO). Ground sheep meat samples in the weight range 20-40 kg and of varying composition have been scanned using two 12.5 cm diameter x 10 cm Nal(Tl) crystals for gamma-ray detection. The content of protein, fat and water was calculated from their fractional content of C, N and O using a four-compartment model of body composition, which included minerals. The precision for measuring TBC, TBN and TBO has been obtained from the mean count rates of ten repeat irradiations of the same sample. The accuracy has been confirmed by comparison against chemical analysis. The reproducibilities for measuring TBN have been found to be comparable to those obtained when the same samples were analysed using prompt-gamma thermal-neutron activation analysis in an existing body composition facility. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that an instrument comprising the neutron generator and four 15 cm x 15 cm x 45 cm NaI(Tl) gamma ray detectors can be assembled to determine, in vivo, protein, fat and water in an approximately 41 kg sample with precisions of 4.4%, 5.0% and 2.1% (CV) respectively within a 15 min scan. The radiation dose equivalent delivered due to neutrons would be approximately 0.03 mSv.

Animals↗

Neutron activation analysis of biological materials by the monostandard method.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis by the monostandard method has been applied to the analyses of biological NBS standard reference materials; 1571 Orchard Leaves and 1577 Bovine Liver. Aluminum foils containing 0.100% gold or 2.00% cobalt were used as the monostandards. The gamma-ray spectral data were recorded on punched paper tape and were analyzed by a computer assisted data processing. The following 25 elements were determined: Al, Ca, Cl Cu, Mg, Mn, V (by short period irradiation), As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm and Zn (by long period irradiation). The results were compared with the certified values by NBS and the reported values in literatures to prove the reliability and accuracy of the monostandard method.

Activation Analysis↗

Application of an instrumental neutron activation analysis procedure to analysis of food.

The capabilities of a relatively simple instrumental neutron activation analysis procedure were demonstrated by performing multielement analyses of 240 Food and Drug Administration Total Diet Studies food composites. The analytical results provide a comprehensive database for a wide range of food types. The procedure incorporates only two irradiations and counts, polyethylene packaging and no sample transfer after irradiation. Concentrations were determined for 19 elements, 16 of which were found in most composites. Detection limits were calculated for all food groups and are given for the 22 elements included in the quantitative analysis scheme. In a qualitative search for 18 additional elements for which no standards were run, none were detected in any of the composites. Specific factors such as interferences from the blank are discussed in regard to their effects on the uncertainties associated with the experimental data and the detection limits. Modifications to the procedure are also suggested for lowering the detection limits for specific elements.

Food Analysis↗

A theoretical analysis using ratios of the major elements measured by neutron activation analysis to derive total body water, protein, and fat.

A theoretical analysis based upon Reference Man is used to derive the water, protein, and fat components of soft tissue using the ratios of carbon/oxygen and nitrogen/hydrogen determined by in vivo neutron activation analysis and measurement of body mineral content by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The standard deviations in the estimates of water, protein, and fat are 0.58, 0.59, and 0.53 kg, respectively, if the reproducibility measurement of the carbon/oxygen ratio is 2.5% and of the nitrogen/hydrogen ratio is 5%, the accuracy of measurement of bone mineral is 4%, and estimate of glycogen is 0.5 kg. New neutron activation technology may permit sufficiently precise measurements.

Adipose Tissue↗

Neutron uniformity studies related to clinical total body in vivo neutron activation analysis.

Methods of assessing the uniformity of thermal and fast neutron fluence in relation to total body in vivo neutron activation analysis are described. Results are presented for 14 MeV neutrons emitted by sealed tube generators housed in a massive concrete shield, representing a substantial source of neutrons degraded in energy. Optimisation of conditions for patient irradiations is discussed and it is shown that acceptable uniformity of fluence can be achieved with little or no premoderation of the incident neutrons.

Activation Analysis↗

Neutron activation analysis of manganese and sodium in bacterial cells.

The application of neutron activation analysis for mineral determinations in bacteria was investigated. Elements considered here were manganese and sodium. The sporeformer Bacillus megaterium ATCC 19213 was utilized. With this method, the manganese and sodium levels of whole and ashed vegetative cells, sporulating cells, and free spores were determined. The culture medium was also analyzed for these two elements. The results indicate that neutron activation analysis is readily applicable to the study of mineral content of bacterial cells, spores, and culture media. The method has been shown to be ideal for the study of incorporation and egression of mineral elements during vegetative growth and secondary metabolism of sporulation.

Activation Analysis↗